Awakening Events announces the Step Into The Light Tour. Headlined by Christian music veterans NEWSBOYS with special guests MANDISA, WE ARE MESSENGERS, CADE THOMPSON and ADAM AGEE, the 17-city trek will begin this October in Mississippi, with stops planned in the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, Maryland and more, before wrapping November 20 in Longview, Texas.

“The last 15 or so months that we have had to spend away from live audiences across this great nation has been the longest break away from our fans in our entire career,” said Newsboys lead singer Michael Tait. “It has definitely caused us to reflect on the amazing opportunities to minister and entertain people, and now we look forward to sharing new music and lyrics about God’s continual love for all of us.”

“We’re really excited to be getting back to a sense of normalcy doing what we love—providing a platform for our artist partners to share their message with a room FULL of people,” said Curtis Pinkerton, Director of Marketing, Awakening Events.

The tour will launch with an active Fan Appreciation Flash Sale where fans can save 20% on their tickets during the first week of sales. Special discounts are also available for groups of four or more. The Step Into The Light Tour, supported by K-LOVE Radio and Altrua HealthShare, is exclusively produced by Awakening Events.

Pre-sale for tickets is available starting Friday, June 11. Dates and cities can be found below.

STEP INTO THE LIGHT TOUR
OCT 21 – TUPELO, MS
OCT 22 – MONROE, LA
OCT 23 – CORPUS CHRISTI, TX
OCT 24 – BATON ROUGE, LA
OCT 28 – PITTSBURGH, PA
OCT 29 – PIKEVILLE, KY
OCT 30 – CHARLOTTE, NC
OCT 31 – BALTIMORE, MD
NOV 4 – JONESBORO, AR
NOV 5 – MOBILE, AL
NOV 6 – FLORENCE, SC
NOV 7 – RICHMOND, KY
NOV 12 – CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
NOV 13 – INDEPENDENCE, MO
NOV 18 – NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR
NOV 19 – COLLEGE STATION, TX
NOV 20 – LONGVIEW, TX

The immediate success of Godsend, the long-awaited sophomore album from multi-talented artist Riley Clemmons, has earned Riley the distinction of being named one of People Magazine’s “Emerging Artists of the Summer.” The bi-yearly list includes an exclusive array of artists on the rise and marks Riley’s first appearance with the outlet.

In addition to the People Magazine feature, Riley spoke to American Songwriter and the Tennessean about the album and the message of hope she hopes to convey. Godsend debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Gospel iTunes Chart, making it her greatest debut to date. At the 2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards, Riley was nominated for Female Artist of the Year, making her the youngest nominee in the history of the show. Godsend is now available HERE

Riley Clemmons is a 21-year-old artist from Nashville, TN who has accumulated over 210 million global streams and 50 million YouTube video views since the beginning of her almost decade long career. After spending years honing her craft in writers’ rooms, Riley sky-rocketed onto the scene with her 2017 Capitol CMG debut single “Broken Prayers,” which has generated over 30 million global streams since its release. Her 2018 self-titled album debut quickly entered the Billboard Heatseekers chart, entering at No. 13. An accomplished composer, performer, producer, and recording artist, Riley draws inspiration from life experiences, blending musical influences ranging from pop to classic rock to create music that is as catchy as it is relatable. This fall, Riley will join Tauren Wells’ Citizen of Heaven tour as direct support.

Provident Label Group is proud to announce that two of their artists—Zach Williams and CAIN—walked away with a total of three K-LOVE Fan Awards. Held at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on Sunday, May 30, and airing on TBN last Friday, June 4, singer/songwriter and multi-award winner Williams received two: Male Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for the No. 1 hit “There Was Jesus” with Dolly Parton. “Rise Up (Lazarus)” from sibling trio CAIN, who also made their awards show debut, received Breakthrough Single of the Year for their chart-topping single.

Both artists performed during the show—Williams shared his powerful new song “Stand My Ground” while CAIN performed “Rise Up (Lazarus).” CAIN, comprised of Madison Cain Johnson, Logan Cain, and Taylor Cain Matz, also sang backup during Williams’ performance.

The Provident family went into the awards show with an astounding 13 nominations. Matthew West returned as host for the annual event while also performing his top hit “Truth Be Told” with country superstar Carly Pearce. Other appearances and performances were made by Chris Brown of Elevation Worship, Casting Crowns, and Leanna Crawford.

Billboard Music Award winners, Dove Award winners and 12x Stellar Award nominees Maverick City Music embark on their first-ever tour this fall, with eclectic shows that will feature electrifying performances with collective members Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, Joe L. Barnes, Aaron Moses and more. CDC-suggested Covid-related protocols will be observed. Due to popular demand, new arena dates and cities have been added, with select dates set to feature GRAMMY winner Lecrae.

In the two years since releasing their debut EP, Maverick City Vol. 1, the group has already notched multiple Billboard No. 1 albums and singles, earned a pair of Dove Award nominations, racked up more than 300 million streams across platforms, and amassed more than a million subscribers on YouTube.

Maverick City Music was launched in 2018 (founded by Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay), after hosting seventeen songwriting camps which brought together over one hundred Christian artists and songwriters and the result being the creation of over one hundred songs. Maverick City Music released their first extended play, Maverick City, Vol. 1, on July 29, 2019. The EP debuted on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart at number ten. In 2020, Maverick City Music released their debut album, Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1 – the album debuted at number six on Top Christian Albums and number two on Top Gospel Albums Chart. This year, the album, Old Church Basement, a collaboration between Maverick City Music and Elevation Worship has quickly made an impact on the charts, earning top honors across multiple Billboard Charts.

Visit: www.MaverickCityMusic.com

Two-time GRAMMY Award winner and platinum selling artist Lauren Daigle can add another record to her already impressive resume as her latest single, “Hold On To Me,” jumps from No. 5 to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. 

This is Daigle’s fifth single to top the chart, extending her record of most No. 1s among women since its inception in 2003. In addition to the news of “Hold On To Me,” Daigle brought home Female Artist of the Year at the 8th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards for the fifth time, giving her the record of most consecutive wins in any category.

Since the release of her GRAMMY Award winning, platinum certified album Look Up Child, Lauren Daigle has reigned on the Billboard Charts. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Top 200 Albums chart making Daigle the first female artist to simultaneously hit the Top 10 on both Billboard’s Pop and Christian Billboard Album Charts. In addition, the GRAMMY Award winning crossover hit, “You Say,” became the longest-running No. 1 song of any genre on the weekly Billboard Hot charts at an incredible 129 weeks and was recently certified 4x-platinum by the RIAA.

Her latest single “Hold On To Me” is Daigle’s fifth No. 1 and has given her the record of most No. 1s among women on the Hot Christian Songs chart. Daigle has earned seven Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards, ten GMA Dove Music Awards and sold-out concert venues all over the world

BET “Sunday Best” alum Latice Crawford‘s new EP, THE CURE, is available now. The transparent and motivational EP is concrete proof of Latice’s ability to deliver melodic and soulful messages to listeners and followers of Christ. THE CURE is available now on all major digital retail and streaming outlets.

“This new music I’m releasing is all about our common symptoms (our temptations, struggles, stumbling blocks on our journey, those pills we use to maintain or fill our voids.) My hope is that my music will simply help us identify our stuff, see that we all have the same issues, and that we all use a variation of the same resources. I hope that we can judge less, and come together to see, and ultimately find our common source, the cure, Jesus Christ,” Latice Crawford shares.

THE CURE by Latice Crawford is a six-track confessional with transparent lyrics revealing her testimony over the last few years – diving deep into love, life, relationships and religion. THE CURE features the ballad, “Amazing” – a beautiful ode of gratitude to God with Latice’s signature vocals; “Something, Something” with a throwback vibe and “Your Fault” which is sure to get all believers to the dance floor.

The New York native and Stellar Award nominated singer stole the hearts of believers on BET’s singing competition “Sunday Best,” using her three-octave, contralto vocal range, finishing third on the second season. Her self-titled debut album reached two Billboard charts, and the Top Gospel Albums chart. Her second album, “Diary of a Church Girl,” also appeared on the Top Gospel Albums chart. Many may already know the fabulous, runway and editorial model, but Crawford also is a contributor to Essence and Huffington Post, writing on a range of topics to include mental wellness, parenting, race relations, and self-care. 

Purchase & Stream THE CURE Now

The Cure is available for download HERE

Follow Latice Crawford on social media using the handle @LaticeCrawford.

Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith announced he will be re-recording and re-releasing his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the album’s release on September 11, 2001. Worship Forever will re-imagine the album from start to finish, this time, with a full symphony orchestra.

Worship Forever will be recorded in front of a live audience at Allen Arena on July 12, 2021 in Nashville, TN and released on September 10, 2021. Tickets for this memorable night go on sale today, Tuesday, June 1, 2021, and are available at www.MichaelWSmith.com/worship.

Originally released on September 11, 2001, Worship offered hope during a time of despair and mourning.

Smith says, “The Worship record was a special one for me.  From the recording live in Lakeland, Florida – to the release on 9/11– the day our nation was attacked.  I’ve seen God use those songs and that music in ways I could have never dreamed.  I’m so excited, now, to be reimagining this record – start to finish – with a full Symphony Orchestra.  It’s going to be a special recording and night.”

Grammy award winner Chris Tomlin is celebrating the beginning of summer with the announcement of new music and a new tour. On July 2nd, Chris will release the Chris Tomlin & Friends: Summer EP and on August 13th will kick off a 13-city amphitheater tour with Kari Jobe, Bethel Music, and special guest Cody Carnes. Tickets are on sale to the public on Friday, June 11 at 10am local time at christomlin.com and fans can sign up for the exclusive pre-sale now HERE.

“Over the last year I’ve come to realize that I have taken for granted the ability to gather together as the church in worship,” shared Chris. “Ever since I was young, I have felt a calling on my life to help give people a voice to worship God and for me, I can’t think of a more critical moment in time for us to come back together and worship… unified and as one voice. Worship is more than a concert, it’s about your soul connecting to God, it’s eternal and an opportunity to join in everlasting praise. To not only worship outside amidst God’s creation but to do it alongside some of the most influential worship leaders in the church right now is something I am honored to be a part of. This is truly going to be a moment of impact and one we will never forget.”

Chris previously spoke to Billboard about the friendships he built while making Chris Tomlin & Friends and his hope to take a step towards breaking down walls and smashing up the genres. The project featured 13 tracks with some of country music’s biggest superstars, including executive producers Florida Georgia Line, Lady A and Thomas Rhett as well as Russell Dickerson, Chris Lane, RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope and Brett Young in addition to Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE, Blessing Offor and We The Kingdom. Chris performed one of the tracks of the project, “Thank You Lord”, which featured Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett, on the Today Show and The Late Late Show with James Corden as part of promo for the album.

As one of the most successful Christian touring artists today, Chris will launch the amphitheater tour this August which is currently slated for 13 cities running through September 3. Chris’ headline tours have sold-out venues everywhere, including New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Red Rocks and many more. Additional touring plans will be announced in the coming weeks. For up-to-date touring information go to www.christomlin.com.“Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, Bethel Music Live In Concert” Tour Dates:
8-13     Cedar Rapids, IA           McGrath Amphitheater
8-14     Detroit, MI                     Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
8-15     Milwaukee, WI              BMO Harris Pavilion
8-19     Rogers, AR                    Walmart AMP
8-20     Oklahoma City, OK      The Zoo Amphitheatre
8-21     Austin, TX                     Germania Insurance Amphitheater
8-22     Beaumont, TX              Ford Pavilion
8-27     Charlotte, NC                PNC Music Pavilion
8-28     Simpsonville, SC          CCNB Amphitheatre
8-29     Albertville, AL              Sand Mountain Amphitheater
9-1       Tuscaloosa, AL              Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
9-2       Orange Beach, AL        The Wharf Amphitheater
9-3       Jacksonville, FL            Daily’s Place

Travis Greene earns his fifth #1 hit single at Gospel radio, with “Good and Loved” feat. DOE hitting #1 on two Gospel radio charts. The radio track hits #1 on the latest charts for Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart and the MediaBase Gospel Chart.

Originally featured on his chart-topping album Broken Record, Greene recorded a new version on this radio track for “Good and Loved,” which he taped for the 2020 Stellar Awards in a duet with DOE. In their duet performance, the two multi-GRAMMY nominated singers also displayed their instrumental skills playing guitars and piano.

“Good and Loved” brings a powerful message of hope and comfort, praising God’s covering and constant love through times that are difficult as well as times of joy. Written by Greene, his latest #1 milestone follows on his previous four uplifting #1 Gospel radio hits “Won’t Let Go,” “You Waited,” “Made A Way,” and “Intentional.” The five-time GRAMMY nominee, eleven-time Stellar Award winner also recently garnered a 2021 Stellar Awards nomination in the category of Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, for his album Broken Record. Follow Travis Greene online through his social channels and his church Forward City, to stay connected on his latest news, music and ministry.

Congratulations to Maverick City Music, who took home Top Gospel Album at the Billboard Music Award for their April 2020 release of Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1. The Billboard No.1 worship group earned double-nods in their winning category and was also a contender for Top Gospel Artist.

This Sunday, May 30th, the collective will perform at the K-Love Fan Awards, where they lead the pack with four nominations, including Group of the Year, Artist of the Year, Breakout Single of the Year and Worship Song of the Year.

Maverick City Music recently made headlines with their newest release Old Church Basement, a collab album with Elevation Worship, which broke streaming records at both Apple Music and Spotify. On Apple Music, the group set a new worldwide record for the most first-day streams for a Christian and Gospel album, and on Spotify, the album broke the U.S. record for the most streams in a day for an album by a Christian group and was No. 4 out of all U.S. albums its first weekend of release. Old Church Basement was released April 30 and is a powerful collection that aims to bring listeners back to a pure place of worship and features vocals from Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, Naomi Raine, Chris Brown, Dante Bowe, Tiffany Hudson, Joe L Barnes, and Amanda Lindsey Cook. Listen to Old Church Basement HERE

This upcoming fall, Maverick City Music will embark on its first-ever tour and the 90 minute shows will feature electrifying performances with collective members Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, Joe L. Barnes, Aaron Moses and more. Capacity for the venues ranges from 3,000-8,000, and all Covid-related protocol will be observed. Currently, 11 out of the 12 tour dates are sold out. Learn more about the tour and tickets: https://tourlink.to/maverickcitytour